Veterans Resource Fair in Taylor will be a one-stop shop for veterans and families

Military veterans, their families and their survivors are invited to a Veterans Resource Fair from 1 to 5 p.m. Thursday, April 8, at the Taylor Sportsplex, 13333 Telegraph Road.

The unique event – billed as a one-stop shop for military resources and benefits – is co-hosted by the City of Taylor and American House Senior Living Residences.

Dozens of agencies are expected to be on hand to provide information to Taylor residents and beyond.

“Our veterans are such an important part of our daily lives and our country’s history,” Taylor Mayor Jeffrey P. Lamarand said. “We’re happy to step up to do anything we can to help spread the word about the benefits that are due to them and their families.”

Participants will be able to receive a benefits review, meet with veteran service officers and on-site counselors and learn about senior housing and services. They can learn about new case-management programs from multiple veteran-related vendors and receive information on veteran pensions, including Aid and Attendance.

Free transportation will be provided by the William D. Ford Senior Activity Center in Taylor to Taylor’s American Warriors Museum at Taylor City Hall, 13555 Goddard Road.

American House Southland in Taylor and Ford Center staff will be among the participating agencies. Others include The Senior Alliance, the Ministerial Fellowship, the Marine Corps League, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the Paralyzed Veterans of America.

Also participating will be the federal Veterans Administration and the VA Medical Center of Detroit, Traumatic Brain Injury, Triliacorpe Construction, Retirement Wealth Strategy and the Great Lakes National Cemetery. More agencies are expected.

Michele White, regional director of American House, said the goal is to reach as many veterans, spouses and family members as possible in a community outreach setting.

“American House in general is dedicated to serving veterans and their spouses,” White said. “American House has many residents that live in our communities that are veterans or a surviving spouse. Many are eligible for benefits such as the Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit, but often do not realize it. It became evident to us that our veterans are in need of information about the resources they can receive. We have worked diligently with many veteran service organizations in an attempt to educate the veterans in our communities.”

In the past year, American House founder Bob Gillette has been involved in many projects that support veterans. For example, American House was a main sponsor for the “Michigan: Our Greatest Generation,” a documentary on WDIV-TV (Channel 4) that highlighted World War II veterans.

The Southfield location of American House opened a museum to honor veterans. Monthly veterans meetings are held at that location. White said the American House in Taylor offers special housing for veterans.

The partnership between the city and American House began when Brigadier General Carol Ann Fausone put American House staff in contact with Mayor Lamarand. Gen. Fausone is the assistant for mobilization and reserve affairs, working directly with the deputy assistant secretary of defense for health affairs, force health protection and readiness.

“The General suggested we work together to provide a platform that will give our veterans the information they need,” White said. “Working together, we can reach a larger base of veterans that are in need of services.”